Spiritual leader and founder of Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, was bestowed with�Colombia�s highest civilian award��Orden de la Democracia Sim�n Bol�var� on June 24 for his�tireless peace activities around the world, with special reference to his work in strife-torn Colombia.
During an exclusive interview to The Assam Tribune, the spiritual leader talked about the growing cult of religious fanaticism and political dishonesty, and how spirituality can be an effective tool in fighting these vices and in restoring peace in restive areas.
Q: First, congratulations for being honoured with Colombia�s highest civilian award. Do you see it as growing recognition of India�s spirituality at global level?
A: The way Indian spirituality has transformed the lives of thousands of people across the globe, it can no longer be ignored. The president of the Colombian House of Representatives, Dr Fabio Ra�l Am�n Saleme, mentioned precisely this during the award ceremony. When the conflict is between justice and peace, it is an enormous task to reconcile the two. Only a spiritual dimension can ease the situation.
Q: Since the very ancient times India has been a soft power that has seen its influence manifest not through military conquests but through the spread of ideas, besides trade and commerce. Do you think the continuance has somewhat been disrupted in modern times?
A: Yes, compared to India�s role in spreading ideas, knowledge and philosophy in the past, it has waned now. But it is still being done by individuals and NGOs. Unfortunately, the government never took recognition of it nor patronized it.
Q: As a cradle of human civilization and as a land where diverse faiths flourished in peaceful coexistence, do you feel that the harmonious existence has now been breached by communal forces in India?
A: There have always been some fringe elements who try to sabotage our rich legacy of communal harmony but India�s population is so big and majestic that it can never be disrupted,�as in Balkans or Middle East or for that matter Africa.�A vast majority of Indians are peace loving and tolerant.
Q: What do you feel are the biggest challenges confronting the world at the moment? And how do you feel spirituality can help tackle those challenges?
A: Religious fanaticism and political dishonesty have torn the moral fabric of the society. And corruption has become all-pervasive. Spirituality � by creating a sense of belongingness, compassion�and commitment � is trying hard to weave the fabric back together.
While spiritual leaders are tirelessly creating happiness and bringing hope for a�better future, there are forces that try to thwart them.�Depression has become disturbingly prevalent today and so are suicidal tendencies. Medicines have failed; Indian spiritual wisdom appears to be the only hope.
Q: You and your organization Art of Living have been working in conflict zones across the world. India�s North-east has also been a hotbed of ethnic conflicts for decades. How do you see your role in easing the situation here? Do you see any peculiarities in the conflict situation in the North-east from other conflict zones?
A: Everywhere the conflict is unique. In the North-east, Manipur, and Bodoland and ULFA (in Assam) all have different notions of freedom.
Q: Stress, tension and frustration have come to affect the youth more than ever. How can spirituality help cope with such disorders?�Talking specifically about yoga, how does it help a person in his physical and mental wellbeing?
A: True but here again, the remedy lies in promoting spiritual practices. Yoga�asanas, pranayama and meditation�help the seven�systems�of the body � muscular system, nervous system, circulation system, endocrine system, lymphatic system, respiratory system and digestive system, leading to mental and spiritual wellbeing.
Q: Tell us about your future plans.
A: With this award, more responsibility has fallen on us and this warrants us to be more active. A lot of enthusiasm is there among the volunteers and we are confident of giving a new momentum to the movement of Indian spirituality.
